Today, the Western Canada Hockey Academy (WCHA) generously donated 12 laptops to Career Connections Inc. in Brandon. The WCHA, based at the J&G Homes Arena in Brandon, provides private education and hockey development for middle-years students in grades 5-8. As part of their program, students receive laptops to support their education. Recognizing that these laptops still had plenty of life left, WCHA, in partnership with MyIT Source, decided to repurpose them for a meaningful cause by donating them to Career Connections. These laptops will help individuals living with disabilities develop their skills, explore opportunities, and work toward meaningful employment. Lesley Taggart, Lead Educator with the WCHA, was on hand to present the donation. Executive Director Joy Escalera expressed her gratitude, sharing that the laptops will give clients the opportunity to practice and enhance their computer skills. More information regarding Career Connections: https://cciwestman.ca/#

The Manitoba government will proclaim the long-bladed weapon control act, which regulates the retail sale of long-bladed weapons, on Dec. 31, Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced today. “Manitoba was a leader in Canada when we were the first government to introduce this legislation just two months ago,” said Wiebe. “Enough is enough, the scourge of machete violence has no place in our province and needs to end. Every Manitoban deserves to feel safe in their community and our government is committed to getting tough on crime and making our streets safer. We’ll continue to take bold, decisive action to ensure no more Manitobans experience the horrors of machete violence.” Restrictions on the retail sale of long-bladed weapons, including machetes, knives and swords, will take effect on Dec. 31. The restrictions include: requiring retailers to securely store long-bladed weapons in a way that prevents the public from accessing them without assistance; prohibiting the retail sale of long-bladed weapons to minors under the age of 18 years old; requiring purchasers to provide photo identification; and requiring retailers to retain records including purchaser information and transaction details for a minimum of two years. The Manitoba government consulted with law enforcement, the retail sector and Indigenous leadership to develop a corresponding regulation that: proscribes additional materials that a blade may be made of including ceramic material, carbon fibre and fibreglass-reinforced plastic or nylon; exempts specific types of tools from the requirements of the act including hedge trimmers, pruning shears and any type of saw; exempts retailers where a majority of products sold are a range of kitchenware products from the requirements of the act; outlines the types of acceptable identification, modelled after what is accepted by Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries; and provides direction related to sales and inventory records including protecting privacy by prohibiting the copying of photo identification. “Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) and our nations commend the province of Manitoba for the continuing collaboration with our organization regarding the introduction of Bill 39, the long-bladed weapon control act, which will restrict the sale of long-bladed weapons including machetes,” said Grand Chief Garrison Settee, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak. “This has been a concern for many of our nations and will go a long way in addressing the violence that comes with the use and abuse of drugs and alcohol. This marks another concrete measure which MKO hopes will result in safer and healthier communities for our citizens in the north and for all Manitobans. While this is a positive step, we must not lose sight that there is still much work to be done. We look forward to continuing the work to collectively create positive change to support public safety in our First Nations.” “I am pleased to have worked with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak staff to provide insight and recommendations on the drafting of Manitoba’s Bill 39, the long-bladed weapon control act, and its accompanying regulations,” said Chief Angela Levasseur, Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation. “This legislation must be part of a comprehensive strategy that empowers First Nations to directly address public safety on our own lands.” “The inner city really appreciates the government’s action on controlling machetes as they have no place on our streets,” said Sel Burrows, community activist. “I and other activists look forward to working with stores to ensure they understand the rules and regulations and working as a community to report any bad actors as we fight to end machete violence.” Manitoba Justice has also written to major online retailers asking them to comply with the intent of the legislation. More information is available at www.gov.mb.ca/justice/long-bladedweaponcontrol.html. To view the regulation(s) as registered, visit: https://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/regs/annual/2024/128.php?lang=en.

The Manitoba government is increasing funding for two cheer boards in the province ahead of the holiday season, Premier Wab Kinew and Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine announced today. “This year, we’re investing in Christmas,” said Kinew. “Manitobans who need a little extra help around the holidays rely on the good work of cheer boards and we want to make sure everyone has a happy holiday this year.” The Manitoba government is providing the Christmas Cheer Board of Winnipeg with $100,000 and Brandon-Westman Christmas Cheer with $25,000 for a total of $125,000 to help community-based organizations that deliver food and toys to families in need throughout the holidays. The Department of Families has also provided five staff to support the Christmas Cheer Board of Winnipeg as it accepts a growing number of hamper registrations for Winnipeg families. “I know first-hand what it means for a family to receive a hamper delivery during this time of year,” said Fontaine. “We’re doing what we can to make sure that holiday cheer is available to more Manitoba families by supporting the Christmas Cheer Board of Winnipeg and Brandon-Westman Christmas Cheer.” The premier encouraged Manitobans attending the Holiday Open House tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Manitoba Legislative Building and join in sharing the holiday cheer by bringing non-perishable food items for Harvest Manitoba. The Manitoba government will also be accepting cheques, addressed to Manitoba charities, at a number of locations set up for mail pickup during the postal disruption. A full list of cheque drop-off locations can be found at www.manitoba.ca/postaldisruption/.

Charges Upgraded On November 11th, 2024, at approximately 7:10AM, a 44-year-old male victim died from injuries he sustained from a fight that occurred on September 26th, 2024, at the Brandon Correctional Centre located at 375 Veterans Way. Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the victim. The victim, who was being held in custody, was seriously injured, unconscious and transported to the hospital on September 26th, 2024. He was then airlifted to Winnipeg’s Health Science Centre that night. Police reviewed the video surveillance and identified three accused suspects who attacked the victim – a 34-year-old male, and two 26-year-old males. All three suspects were initially charged with Aggravated Assault and were kept in custody. Since the death, the three male’s charges have been upgraded: - 26-year-old (now 27) charged with Manslaughter. - 26-year-old charged with 2nd Degree Murder. - 34-year-old charged with 2nd Degree Murder.

The Manitoba government is providing $500,000 to support a new 24-7 safe space in Brandon where Indigenous women, two-spirit and gender-diverse people at risk of harm can escape violence, build supportive relationships and help each other heal, Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine, minister responsible for women and gender equity, announced here today. “This new safe house will mean more beds and more space for Indigenous women, two-spirit or gender-diverse people who are unsheltered and at risk of harm who need help to stabilize their lives,” said Fontaine. “It will provide the safety, security and peace needed to help them on their path of healing and recovery.” The new 10th Street Safe House – also know as Franny’s Place – will include 10 bedrooms, bathrooms, a shared kitchen, laundry facilities and a living room and dining area. Residents will be able to engage in positive activities based on their interests including beading, cooking, baking, painting, growing plants, playing bingo and woodworking. This space will also offer a 24-7 drop-in service, providing outreach services, intake assessments and other supports for people awaiting placement in the safe house or another safe program. The site will be staffed 24-hours a day to provide Indigenous culturally based security, support and mentorship, the minister noted, adding the program is also supported by Keegawegeein (I’ll Help You), a volunteer committee of wise Indigenous women from the community who provide support rooted in the Seven Sacred Teachings. In partnership with the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) and the Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation’s Action Research on Chronic Homelessness, these safe houses provide increased prevention and protection for Indigenous women, two-spirit and gender-diverse people including those with illness or injury, physical or intellectual disability, cognitive impairment or brain injury, substance use/addiction, mental health concerns or acute safety concerns, such as domestic violence, human trafficking, court-mandated safety orders, recent assaults, death threat or other imminent risk of harm. “The MMF’s Southwest Region is proud to partner with the Manitoba government to ensure that there are safe spaces for vulnerable members of our community,” said Will Goodon, Housing and Property Management Minister, Manitoba Métis Federation. “The fact that this is a place where they can live in community, access the wisdom and support of other women, and obtain other services to help them rebuild their lives resonate strongly with the Red River Métis values and traditions that have made us strong. I commend the Manitoba government for their work in advancing these culturally focused spaces for women and gender diverse individuals.” The minister noted the Brandon safe house is part of Mino’Ayaawag Ikwewag, the Manitoba government’s new $20-million provincial strategy to support the safety, protection and empowerment of Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit and gender-diverse people. It honours Pillar 7: Housing, and Pillar 8: Justice and Safety in the strategy. Today’s announcement falls during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an annual campaign running until Dec. 10 focused on a collective recommitment to protecting and empowering survivors while working toward a future free of gender-based violence, the minister said. To learn more about the Mino’Ayaawag Ikwewag Strategy, visit www.gov.mb.ca/wage/minoayaawag-ikwewag.html.